*If you haven’t heard of the V/H/S franchise yet, then you’ve been living under a rock! The film series, which so far has three installments in its line-up, has a decent and steady fan base of horror lovers who gravitate to the buzz produced by these pictures. Recently, the third anthology, V/H/S: Viral was released on DVD, Blu-ray and VOD and viewers were delighted to see that a fifth segment was present just after the ending credits! The short film, “Gorgeous Vortex,” is visually stunning and relies on old school horror tricks and modern conveniences to tell a cohesive story starring a beautiful model.
I just had to interview the director of “Gorgeous Vortex,” Todd Lincoln, and find out a little more about his time with this particular project. Lincoln previously directed 2012’s The Apparition and, now with “Gorgeous Vortex” under his belt, I think we’re going to be seeing a lot more of him in the horror genre! Read my interview with him below!
H: When we spoke initially you said you were filming for a bit. Where does this email find you currently?
T: I’m currently traveling the back-roads of America, shooting reference material for my next film.
H: You made your feature film directorial debut as the man behind The Apparition in 2012. What are your thoughts looking back on your time with this particular film almost three years later?
T: The Apparition has moments. Unfortunately it was compromised and watered down every step of the way by the powers that be. It’s a damn shame, because we had a unique concept, an excellent crew and a great cast. But it only takes a few by-the-numbers nano-managers to spoil the process. They even cut the Apparition out of The Apparition. It’s heartbreaking, because Spectral Motion created a terrifying, inhuman, full-body apparition… using completely practical effects. I only wish you could have seen my version of the film. That’s why it was important to me that my next project be much truer to my vision.
H: Horror viewers, myself included, may not know that you have a segment, “Gorgeous Vortex,” that appears at the end of V/H/S: Viral. Why is your short film included as a surprise, bonus segment instead of one of the largely advertised four?
T: “Gorgeous Vortex” was planned as the secret final V/H/S film for the hardcore fans and the true diggers. It hints at a larger mythology and points to a new direction for the V/H/S franchise. Its positioning on the Blu-Ray / DVD is a throwback to the way that 90’s CD’s for bands such as Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana and Ministry would have a hidden track after the end of the album. “Gorgeous Vortex” plays as an ominous transmission after the end credits of V/H/S: Viral. This release plan seems to have complimented and enhanced the mystery and power of the film.
H: What can you tell be about the plot or feel of “Gorgeous Vortex?”
T: “Gorgeous Vortex” is an experimental, high fashion horror film. It was partly inspired by avante-garde video artists, fashion photography, old Italian Horror movies, George Lucas’s early experimental films, and the writings of J.G. Ballard and Jean Baudrillard. The film is purposely disruptive and divisive. It’s like an evil puzzle. Carefully coded and cursed.
H: Without giving too much away, unless you want to, was the figure at the end done with CGI or practical effects? It looked amazing!
T: Thank you. The creature was done entirely with practical effects. Vincent Guastini and his power team at V.G.P. Effects & Design Studio went above and beyond on the creature design and operated it beautifully. It was a special thrill to see it come to life. Vincent assembled some of the best creature effects artists, sculptors and technicians around… including Joshua Ballze, Josh Wasylink, Mike Rotella, Steve Winsett and Evan Campbell.
H: Why did you decide to do this short film without the use of spoken dialogue?
T: “Gorgeous Vortex” was always planned and scripted without dialogue. I wanted to create a visceral, visual onslaught served up in a post-human / post-narrative way. Dialogue would have cheapened it and been distracting. It was my hope to make this film pure and universal so that audiences worldwide could have a more immersive experience.
H: There’s some pretty talented people appearing within the segment, most notably supermodel Jayden Robison. What was it like directing everyone in what I can assume was a mysterious, cult-like atmosphere?
T: Jayden Robison possessed a beautiful combination of strength and vulnerability that added unexpected layers. Almost all of the other actors and models were from my hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma where we shot the entire film. It was an intense process. There is a great darkness to “Gorgeous Vortex”. Thankfully, everyone was willing to dive into the abyss.
H: Being that “Gorgeous Vortex” is available at the end of the V/H/S: Viral Blu-ray / DVD, can you tell me why horror fans should go out and buy the Blu-ray / DVD, not just for your short, but the entire anthology in general?
T: Personally, I appreciate all of the V/H/S: Viral film segments for different reasons. The beauty of these V/H/S anthology films is that they’re like cool mix-tapes or sampler albums for a new wave of horror. Allowing you to see behind the curtain into the possible future of the genre and pick your poison. They’re also just a good time. They’re like the Mario Party of the macabre. I recommend people buy the V/H/S: Viral Blu-ray, because it’s the highest quality presentation of “Gorgeous Vortex” and the other segments. And with the included special features, it’s the overall best value.
H: Do you intend to send “Gorgeous Vortex” to any film festivals or has it run its course now that V/H/S: Viral has been out on Blu-ray / DVD for a little over a month?
T: Since the release of “Gorgeous Vortex” I’ve been hearing from various festivals requesting to screen it. It will be exciting to watch it on the big screen with audiences.
H: Glancing over your IMDB page, I see you have a number of projects currently in development. Where is your career headed in 2015 and 2016? What’s next on the agenda?
T: I’m currently writing a new feature. It’s a psychosexual sci-fi thriller. I’m also exploring new forms of storytelling and world-building in other mediums such as real-time mobile augmented reality. In the meantime, everyone should keep checking up on https://www.gorgeousvortex.com for new side-story micro-films that tie in with “Gorgeous Vortex”.
You can keep up with my latest projects by following me on Instagram and Twitter:
INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/killtoddlincoln
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Todd_Lincoln
*Thank you for taking the time to chat with me, Todd Lincoln! Having seen “Gorgeous Vortex” for myself, I think it’s an amazing, innovative short film and I’m glad I could help you get the word out about it!
Remember, folks, “Gorgeous Vortex” is available right now on the V/H/S: Viral Blu-ray and DVD or by purchasing (not renting) it on iTunes. Also, the film’s original soundtrack is available through Void Recordings on vinyl and as a digital download from composer Joseph Bishara (The Conjuring, Annabelle, Insidious). Please click here to stream or purchase it!
